ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS

The Solaire at 20 River Terrace was designed to consume 35% less energy, reduce peak demand for electricity by 65%, and require 50% less potable water than a conventional, residential high-rise building. An integrated array of photovoltaic panels generates 5% of the building's energy at peak loading. The building incorporates an advanced HVAC system, fueled by natural gas and free of ozone-depleting refrigerants. Multi-level humidification and ventilation systems supply filtered fresh air to each residential unit. Daylighting was maximized and balanced with the thermal envelope. High-performance casement windows were used throughout. All residential units include programmable digital thermostats, Energy Star fixtures, and a master shut-off switch. Common areas include occupancy sensors and daylight sensors to further optimize energy use.

An on-site black water treatment and reuse system supplies the cooling tower and the building's toilets with water. A stormwater catchment system provides irrigation to both a rooftop garden and a green roof. Sixty-seven percent of the building materials (by cost) were manufactured within a 500-mile radius of the site, and 19% contain recycled content. All materials are free of formaldehyde and contain low- or no-VOC's. More than 93% of the project construction waste was recycled. The building was extensively commissioned and has sophisticated monitoring systems.

The project met the stringent requirements necessary to qualify for the New York State Green Buildings Tax Credit, a pilot program designed to encourage the design and development of more environmentally sustainable buildings. The value achieved by the tax credit over five years is $2,800,000.